Skid Plate

[Bishard]

The dummies that did my oil change removed my skit plate (which isn't necessary). In the process they broke off each one of the rusty bolts that hold the skid plate onto the front of the truck. So the bolt are left broke off in their respective holes. They rigged the plate so it would stay on long enough for me to not notice. Anyways, what potential for further damage exists by driving without the plate attached for a little while?

 

[Gerdo]

If you don't wheel, or wheel carefully, there shouldn't be any danger of driving without the skid. (unless something is kicked up while driving on the road). I have seen guys wheel without the skid. I wouldn't recommend this but it has been done.

 

[theizzardking]

i wouldn't run with out it the lower half of your radiator is pretty exposed, maybe things are different where you guys are from but we got loads of rocks on our freeways here and taking a small rock through the rad isn't my idea of fun, i just had to rescue a friend last weekend who got a massive rock shot through their rad coming over the pass.

don't get me wrong Gerdo is right on the money, it just personally makes me nervous after seeing my buddies rig last week and seeing how far down the rad hangs in these guys.

 

[Bishard]

Thanks

Thanks for yalls thoughts. I ended up just using zip ties to hold it on temporarily. Any of yall know the size of the bolts used for the 97 2.7L skid plate?

 

[Gerdo]

8mm with a 1.25mm thread pitch. Probably about 15-20mm long.

 

[fourwd1]

8mm with a 1.5mm thread pitch. Probably about 15-20mm long.

That would be a 1.25 thread.

 

[jspagna1]

Ya that happens with all the 3rd gens. I think I have maybe one or two bolts that have not broken. I just use black heavy duty zip ties and have never had a problem at all. I would not drive without it either.

 

[Gerdo]

That would be a 1.25 thread.

OOPS, one key stroke off. You are correct, 1.25 thread pitch.